How to Increase Alkalinity in a Swimming Pool
Low alkalinity causes corrosive water and rapid, wild pH swings. The most effective way to raise total alkalinity is using standard Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda). Use our interactive dosing calculator below to get your exact dosage in pounds and standard grocery boxes.
Baking Soda & Alkalinity Increaser Calculator
Did you know standard grocery-store Arm & Hammer baking soda is 100% pure Sodium Bicarbonate—the exact same chemical sold in pool stores for 3x the price? Calculate your exact dosage below.
Equivalent to approximately 3 standard (4 lb) grocery boxes of pure baking soda.
100% pure USP-grade sodium bicarbonate in heavy-duty 50 lb moisture-resistant bag. Costs up to 60% less per pound than small pool store jugs.
Test strips often misread total alkalinity. Taylor drop titration kits give precise 10 ppm increments with zero color ambiguity.
Baking Soda vs. Pool Store Alkalinity Increaser: The Truth
If you inspect the active ingredients label on a \$35 bucket of "Alkalinity Up" or "Alkalinity Increaser" from your local pool supply store, you will see a single chemical: 100% Sodium Bicarbonate.
This is the exact same chemical found in a \$0.99 yellow box of Arm & Hammer baking soda at the grocery store. It is chemically identical, food-grade pure, and completely harmless to pool liners, filters, and salt cells.
Baking Soda Dosing Reference Chart (by Pool Size)
| Pool Size | Raise by 10 PPM | Raise by 20 PPM | Raise by 30 PPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 Gallons | 0.75 lbs | 1.5 lbs | 2.25 lbs |
| 10,000 Gallons | 1.5 lbs | 3.0 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
| 15,000 Gallons | 2.25 lbs | 4.5 lbs | 6.75 lbs |
| 20,000 Gallons | 3.0 lbs | 6.0 lbs | 9.0 lbs |
| 30,000 Gallons | 4.5 lbs | 9.0 lbs | 13.5 lbs |
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Add Baking Soda
Turn your circulation pump on high speed. Good circulation ensures sodium bicarbonate dissolves quickly without settling onto the pool floor.
Walk around the deep end and slowly pour the baking soda directly into the water in wide arcs. Never dump the entire box into the skimmer basket, as this can temporarily clog the filter media.
Use your pool brush to sweep any remaining white powder off the floor. Allow the water to circulate for 6 to 8 hours before running your next titration test.